Local 5138 Strike Vote Passes with Overwhelming Support

You Spoke Loud and Clear — Strike Vote Passes with Overwhelming Support

We want to take a moment to thank and congratulate each and every one of you who participated in the strike authorization vote. Your voices were heard — and they were powerful.

We are proud to announce that an overwhelming majority of our membership voted YES to authorize a strike if necessary, 98%! This is a strong and united message to management: we are serious about securing a fair contract that protects our patients, our profession, and our future.

This vote does not mean we are walking off the job tomorrow. What it does mean is that we collectively empowered our bargaining team with the ability to call for a strike if negotiations continue to stall or if management refuses to meaningfully address the issues we’ve raised — especially around safe staffing, fair wages, and working conditions that allow us to give the care our patients deserve.

Our solidarity is what gives us strength at the table. Management is watching and they now see a workforce that is united, determined, and unwilling to back down when it comes to standing up for what’s right. We have 3 bargaining days left before the expiration date. We come to the table on April 28, 29, and 30. We hope that Hackensack Meridian Health will address staffing and wage issues for better patient outcomes and improve the quality of life of our nurses and patients.

We’ll keep you closely informed on bargaining developments and next steps. In the meantime, stay strong, stay informed, and stay connected. Together, we are powerful.

In solidarity,

Your local 5138 Executive Board

Anna Pona, President
Sybil Schriever, Grievance Chair